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Trivanduram |
Kovalam |
Varkala |
Kollam |
Alleppey |
Kottayam |
Kumarakom |
Idukki |
Munnar |
Periyar |
Eranakulam(Cochin)
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Thrissur
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Guruvayur |
Kozhikode(Calicut)
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Wayanad |
Kannur |
Kerala
Backwaters |
Kerala
Houseboats |
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Area : 2132
sq.km
Altitude : 700-2100 above sea level
Wayanad is one of the districts in Kerala that has been able to
retain its pristine nature.Also known as Muthanga Wildlife sanctuary
Wayanad is a remote rainforest reserve connected to Bandipur
National Park in Karnataka and Mudumalai Sanctuary in Tamil nadu.
Wayanad is not really geared up for visitors.Hidden away in the
hills of this land are some of the oldest tribes as yet untouched by
civilization.Wayanand is known for its picturesque mist clad hill
stations sprawling spice plantations luxuriant forests and rich
cultural traditions.The leading tourist centres of South India
likeOoty,Mysore,Coorg, Kozhikode and Kannur are around this
region.There is good wildlife including elephant leopard and tiger
and a wide variety of birds.
Places of attractions :-
Hill Stations:-
Vythiri (100 kms-hrs. from Kozhikode):
Tucked away on the north-eastern tip of Kerala this quaint little
hill station about 1300 mts.above sea level is renowned for its
coffee tea cardamom pepper and rubber plantaions. Most capped
mountains and breathtaking scenery are the dominant other tourist
attractions.
Pakshipathalam (10 kms. from Thirunelly):
This place can be accessed only by trekking. Rare species of birds
can be sighted from the watch tower of this bird sanctuary.
Chembra Peak (14 kms.west of Kalpetta):
At 2100mts.above mean sea level Chembra is the highest peak in
Wayanand and is an ideal area for trekking.
Lakkidi (55 kms. east of Kozhikode/5km south of Vythiri):
Lakkidi the gateway to Wayanad is situated 700 mts. above men sea
level at the crest of the Thamarasseri Ghat pass.Lofty peaks
gurgling streams and luxuriant forests add magic to the journey up
the winding roads to this hill station.
Pookot Lake:
This perennial fresh water lake nestled among wooded hills is the
only one of its kind in Kerala.Boating facilities a children’s park
handicrafts and spices emporium and fresh water aquarium are among
the tourist attractions available here.The lake is 3 kms.south of
Vythiri Resorts.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary :-
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
Main attraction :
Fauna, Mammals, Elephants, tigers, panthers, jungle cat, civet cats,
monkeys, wild dogs, bisons, deer, bears etc.
Reptiles:
Monitor lizards and a variety of snakes are seen.
Birds:
Peacocks,babblers,cuckoos,owls,woodpeckers,jungle fowls are some few
of the various types of birds seen here.
Flora:
Teak, maruthu, karimaruti, rosewood, venteak, vengal, chadachi,
mazhukanjiram, bamboo etc., grow in the moist decidous forest.
Veteria indica, lagerstroemia , lanceolata, Terminalia paniculata
etc.are common in the semi evergreen patches.
Banasura Project Padinjarathara ( 25 kms.northeast of
Kalpetta):
A mini hydel project with the largest earth dam in India and the
second largest in Asia in being built here. A sprawling sanctuary
and park with ever flowering trees are major tourist attractions.
Begur Wildlife Sanctuary (40kms.from Mananthavady):
This sanctuary in Karnataka state extends over an area of 643.39
sq.kms.The park houses diverse species of plants and animal
life.Visiting hours are 6.00-8.00 hrs and 3.00 pm-5.30 pm.
Monument & Pillgrim Centres:-
Thirunelly Temple(32 kms. north-east of Manathavady ):
Surrounded by Kambamala Karimala and Varadiga the Thirunvelly temple
is a marvel of temple architecture.The shrine is shielded with 30
granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of
granite.
Pazhassi tomb (32 kms. north-east of Kalpetta)
Memorial of the ‘Lion of Kerala’-Veera Pazhassi Raja-who organised
the guerilla warfare against the British East India Company is
situated at Mananthavady.The Pulpally cave is where Pazhassi took
refuge before he was captured by the British.
The Glass Temple of Kottamunda ( 20 kms. away from Kalpetta):
This temple is located on the slope of Vellarimala and is dedicated
to Parswanatha Swamy of the Jain faith.The mirrors inside the temple
walls reflect images of the icons in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum.
Boys Town (15 kms. north of Mananthavady) :
Herbal garden nature care centre sericulture unit perma-culture
centre etc., established by the Wayanad Social Service Society and
Jean Park (the Indo-Danish project for promoting herbal
gardening)are situated here.
Sulthan Bathery
Edakkal Caves (12 kms. from Sulthan Bathery ) :
The two caves are located at a height of 1000 mts.on Ambukutty Mala
near Ambalavayal.The New Stone Age pictorial writings on the walls
of these natural caves at Edakkal are evidence of the civilisation
that existed in these regions in Prehistoric times.The caves can be
accessed only by a 1km trekking trail from Edakkal.Morning hours are
the best time to visit the caves.Entry is permitted only up to 5.00
hrs.
Ambalavayal Heritage Museum:
Near the Ambukuhi hill region is this heritage museum housing
artefacts belonging to the various tribes of this land.This is one
of the best heritage museums in Kerala.
Kuruvadweep :
(17 km east of Mananthavady 45km northwest of Sulthan Bathery)
This 950 acre.uninhabited island on the eastward bound Kabani river
is an ideal picnic spot The wooded stretch of land is home to rare
species of birds orchids and herbs.Kuruvadweep (17 kms east of
Mananthavady 45 km northwest of Sulthan Bathery):This 950 acre.
Uninhabited island on the eastward bound Kabani river is an ideal
picnic spot The wooded stretch of land is home to rare species of
birds orchids and herbs. |
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